Animal Tree

John McRae wanted an animal Christmas tree in his room.  So, here's our attempt.

It's a work in progress.

The lights are too short so we have to add to them, but dollar store animals plus some string equals animal ornaments.

He loves it so that is all that matters.

We still have a little time, so we'll get it right before Christmas.

Oh, yea. Happy Thanksgiving (We aren't skipping it)!

Baby Girl is Growing!



6 Weeks



10 Weeks



18 Weeks




18 Weeks - Waving and Rubbing Her Face




Apparantly, those three dots mean IT'S A GIRL!



Our baby girl is growing so quickly and we pray that she stays healthy and keeps growing during the next 22 weeks!

XOXO,
Stacy & Co.

Happy Halloween!

John McRae was so excited to bake cookies for his class last night.
He loves to help in the kitchen and always says, "I'm a great helper!"
Yes, sweet boy, you are!
I'm so thankful that I get to be his Mama.

Happy Halloween!

The Benefields

Baby Update #2

I went for my check-up yesterday and everything is still going great.  The baby's heart rate is in the 150's so my doctor told me that he thinks it might be a girl.  My next appointment is on November 12th so be praying for a healthy mama, baby, and pregnancy.  I'll be 19 weeks at my next appointment so we should find out the sex of the baby.  Daniel and I really do not have a preference one way or another.  We just want a baby come April 2013!

John McRae's thoughts on the baby so far...

At first, he said he'd take a baby sister.  Then, he told everyone at his school that his Mama told him he was getting a baby brother. (Um, no! I did not.)

He says he is going to feed the baby a bottle and rice and change its stinky diaper.

Last night, he told Daniel, "You hold that baby, Dada, and Mama will hold John." 

Sounds like we have our work cut out for us!

Thanks to everyone for all of your kind words and well wishes.  We certainly appreciate them and all of the prayers you want to send up for us!

XOXO,
Stacy

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Facts about Breast Cancer in the United States

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.

Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.

Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.

Yep, those are some scary facts, BUT...

Early Detection is the Key to winning the battle!

When breast cancer is detected early (localized stage), the 5-­year survival rate is 98%.

That's some pretty good odds!

Go to http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-early-detection-plan to learn more!

John McRae's Big Announcement

John McRae has an exciting 

announcement to make!

Love,

John McRae

John McRae & Pia

John McRae and Pia share something very special,

their foster family.

Our families are so very blessed to have had such special, loving people care for our children during such an important developmental time in their lives.  Our babies are happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children.

We will forever be grateful beyond words.

XOXO,
Stacy